Adopters line up early to help save shelter pets at Marlins Ayudan Adopt-O-Mania

Pet lovers lined up early at Marlins Park on Sunday, August 14 for the fifth annual Marlins Ayudan Adopt-O-Mania. A collaborative effort between Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Marlins Ayudan team, the annual event, once again, resulted in over 100 adoption “home runs” to loving forever homes for shelter dogs and cats.

Adoption fees were reduced by 50 percent for adult dogs big and small. The always popular puppies’ were available at regular adoption fees. All cat and kitten adoption fees were waived. All pets adopted are spayed or neutered, licensed, vaccinated and microchipped. In addition, the first 100 adopters received complimentary tickets for any Miami Marlins regular season home game in August or September 2016.

Animal Services Director Alex Muñoz threw the first pitch with Billy the Marlin acting as catcher.

“The event was a huge success on all fronts,” said Marlins Executive Vice President of Operations and Events Claude Delorme. “It was a great feeling to see families smiling as they left the event with a dog or cat. It was truly priceless for all of us.”

“Once again, we are extremely grateful to Marlins Ayudan for extending their invitation and the help of their volunteers to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs,” said Alex Muñoz, Director of Animal Services. “A big thanks also goes out to our foster parents and volunteers as well,” he added.

Animal Services also provided free spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines for 21 cats and 20 dogs taken to the event by their human family members.